2012 Annual Dinner

Annual Dinner

The 2012 annual dinner welcomed J.R. Martinez as keynote speaker! 

J.R. MARTINEZ, ACTOR, U.S. ARMY VETERAN, IED EXPLOSION SURVIVOR, WINNER OF THE 13TH SEASON OF “DANCING WITH THE STARS” AND INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER
Martinez's original path led him on the road to playing professional football, but that plan was derailed after a sports injury. He instead enlisted in the U.S. Army and in March 2003, was deployed to Iraq. A mere month later, he was injured in an IED explosion that caused severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body. J.R. endured 34 months in recovery including 33 surgeries. It was then, when he was asked to speak to a fellow burn patient, that he discovered his new calling. Since that life-changing event, he has traveled the country, spreading his message of resilience and optimism. In the process, he says he has changed for the better, discovering that it’s what is inside a person that matters most and showing others there is value in making the most of every situation. His message is one of emotionally charged wisdom and insight gleaned from his life experiences.In October 2008, he stepped into another role – combat veteran Brot Monroe on "All My Children" and in 2011, he won the 13th season of "Dancing with the Stars."

AWARDS CELEBRATION
The Chamber honored several Chamber members with awards the night of the show (including the ATHENA Award, Daniel Whitney Award and Excellence in Business Award), and will also showcase pictures and information about the more than 40 individuals and companies the Chamber honored during the past fiscal year.

SILENT AUCTION
Our awards display will be complemented by a silent auction with proceeds benefiting various Chamber programs. The auction will feature host of premier items.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:
American Transmission Co. LLC
Ariens Company
Associated Bank
AT&T
Festival Foods
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
Green Bay Packers, Inc.
Humana Inc.
Hyatt on Main
Prevea Health Services
Skyline Exhibit Resources
Time Warner Cable
Wisconsin Public Service Corp.